HYMENOPTERA. 



377 



This insect makes its nest in the stalk of a bramble or briar (Fig. 358) 

 with a mortar which it prepares. The larvae (Fig. 356) lines its cell 

 with a silky cocoon. It is the last egg laid which is hatched the 



Fig- 355. A species of Odynerus. 



Fig. 356. Larvae of the 

 Odynerus. 



Fig. 357- Pupa of 

 the Odynerus. 



first ; then come the others, in an inverse order from that in which 

 they were deposited. If it had been in the other order, the insects 



Fig. 358. Nest of an Odynerus in the stem of a bramble. 



could not have come out of the cells without destroying on their way 

 the less advanced pupa. 



ANTS. 



The habits of the Ants are as remarkable as the habits of the 

 bees. In their marvellous republics each one has his fixed duties to 

 perform, of which he acquits himself willingly and without constraint. 

 In consequence of their habits of foresight and frugality, ease reigns 

 in the dwellings of these little animals, which become attached to 

 their nest by a feeling of patriotism. Woe betide him who disturbs 

 them in their occupations, of destroys their house ! Like bees, they 

 form a regular republic, composed first, of males ; secondly, of 

 females ; thirdly of neuters, or workers. We shall see, further on, 

 the labours and the part played by each one of these three orders of 

 the republic. Let us speak first of the species. 



